Breaking Down the Most Sizzling Storylines in the NFC East

Easily the most evenly competitive division in the NFL, the NFC East was an odd bunch in 2011. The Washington Redskins went 2-4 in divisional play but swept the New York Giants, who, by the way, just happened to win another Super Bowl.

The preseason-dubbed, "paper champion" Philadelphia Eagles stumbled early on, but they finished with the best divisional record of 5-1. Looking ahead to the 2012 season, the NFC East remains a competitive division and a nail-biting finish can be expected.

With some of the following current storylines, you can bet on this divisional race being more intense this fall.

Tim Hightower

According to the Mike Jones of the Washington Post, running back Tim Hightower has finally returned: "The Washington Redskins and running back Tim Hightower have agreed to terms on a deal to bring the four-year veteran back for another season."

That said, it's a great move by Washington to retain Hightower as he has franchise ball-carrier potential. A dual-threat for the Redskins, Hightower does need to remain healthy so rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III can get acclimated quicker under center.

The mere presence of Hightower in the backfield will keep defenses off balance and prevent any front seven from being overaggressive. He can get solid yards after the catch and after first contact. Provided he gets back to 100 percent, Hightower will produce consistent numbers.

Through his first three seasons Hightower didn't miss a game, so the reliability to move the chains and setup play-action will allow Washington to field a balanced offense.

Giants RBs

In an article by ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Giants have an interesting slew of running backs battling for the No. 2 spot behind Ahmad Bradshaw.

Obviously with Brandon Jacobs out of the equation, Big Blue does need to find that No. 2 carrier as the two-back system has played a major role in winning two Super Bowls over New England. Also, Bradshaw has durability concerns as he missed four games last season, so a guy with No. 1 potential is most ideal.

Backups D.J. Ware and Da'Rel Scott have seen limited time, but have that previous NFL experience over rookie David Wilson. Ware also had a respectable 2011 campaign with 333 total yards in a reserved role.

So, he'll likely begin as the No. 2 back as Scott has just one year under his belt. Wilson on the other hand, is a versatile threat that will contribute. In 2011, he ran for over 1,700 yards, and during his final two college seasons Wilson caught 37 passes for 363 yards.

Additionally, Wilson's complete ability also works on special teams as he collected 1,324 kickoff return yards from 2009-2011 at Virginia Tech. Therefore, if another unfortunate injury were to occur to Bradshaw, New York has enough dynamic talent and depth to make up for the loss.

Twitter War

As if trash talking in the offseason can't get any more ridiculous, the twitter war continues between Eagles' running back LeSean McCoy and Giants' defensive end Osi Umenyiora.

According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York, this began before the 2011 season even kicked off:

"

Last summer, Umenyiora referred to the Eagles running back as "Lady Gaga" and "she" after McCoy tweeted that the defensive end is "overrated" and "soft" and the third-best defensive lineman on the Giants.

"

Then recently, it started up again between the two players.

"

Happy Mothers Day Lesean Mccoy! Enjoy your special day!!

"

"— Osi Umenyiora (@OsiUmenyiora) May 13, 2012"

"

Lol let the beef begin

— Lesean McCoy (@CutonDime25) May 13, 2012"

Certainly this can be viewed as a prelude to the 2012 season.

The Eagles closed out on a four-game win streak and have enjoyed a strong offseason to increase their momentum. The Giants look to defend their title, so the virtual word-war only enhanced the intensity that will commence on the gridiron.

Cowboys' Defense

Last season the Dallas Cowboys' defense was the biggest reason for their late season meltdown. Sitting at 7-4 with five games remaining, Big D was positioned well to claim the division before Week 17.

Then the final weeks happened and Dallas finished a dismal 1-4 to close out at 8-8 and 2-4 in the division. The defense ranked No. 23 against the pass, allowed an average of almost 28 points in games lost and allowed a 39.7 conversion rate on third-down (ranked No. 21).

Well, don't expect inconsistency in 2012 as linebacker Sean Lee looks to remain in an influencing position. In an article by Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas, Lee has emerged as a vocal teammate according to coach Jason Garrett:

"

I think that's natural for guys that play his position, those inside linebacker positions. They're the quarterback of the defense and a lot of guys look to them really for communication, for adjustments you make in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage, and Sean really took the bull by the horns and took over that role last year.

"

After playing in 14 games as a rookie, Lee quickly developed in 2011 by leading Dallas with 105 tackles and four picks while ranking third on the team with seven defended passes.

He's a complete middle linebacker that takes a lot of pressure off the upgraded secondary (Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne) and he'll have an even bigger impact in 2012.

If the Cowboys' front seven really takes the NFL by storm, Sean Lee's ability to play all over the field helps with Tyrone Crawford's development and DeMarcus Ware's presence on the outside. In short, a complete defense that finally can lock it down.

John Rozum on Twitter.